The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has warned Indian airlines against profiteering with high air fares, following a recent Odisha train crash. The DGCA has said that it will take action against airlines that are found to be charging exorbitant fares.
The DGCA’s warning comes after a recent hike in air fares in India. Fares on some routes have doubled or even tripled in recent weeks.
The hike in fares has been attributed to a number of factors, including the recent train accident in Odisha, which has led to an increase in demand for air travel.
Odisha train accident
On June 2, a train accident occurred near Balasore in Odisha, India. The accident involved three trains: the Coromandel Express, the Puri-Haridwar Express, and a goods train. The Odisha train crash resulted in the deaths of at least 280 people and injured over 1,000. It has become the deadliest train accident in India in over two decades.
The accident occurred when the Coromandel Express derailed and hit the Puri-Haridwar Express. The impact caused the Puri-Haridwar Express to derail as well. The goods train then hit the two derailed trains.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation. However, officials believe that the accident may have been caused by a human error. They are also investigating the possibility that the accident may have been caused by a mechanical failure.
The demand for regional air travel has risen in recent days as a result.
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DGCA to monitor air fares
The DGCA has said that it will be monitoring air fares closely and will take action against airlines that are found to be profiteering and charging exorbitant fares, especially in the wake of the Odisha train crash.
The Indian aviation regulator also said that it will be working with airlines to ensure that there is no artificial shortage of seats, which could lead to higher fares.
The DGCA’s warning has been welcomed by passengers, who have been complaining about the high air fares. Passengers have said that the high fares are making it difficult for them to travel.
The industry warning also serves as a reminder to airlines that they cannot simply raise fares whenever they want. Airlines need to be mindful of the impact that their fares have on passengers.
If airlines raise fares too high, it also means that they could ultimately lose passengers to other modes of transportation, such as trains or buses.
Passengers and consumers are within their rights to complain about high air fares. Passengers can complain to the aviation regulatory body or to the airline directly. The DGCA will investigate complaints and act against airlines that are found to be violating the law.
The DGCA’s warning comes as a positive step in protecting passengers from profiteering in the form of high air fares.
